marseille_SHXPRTGDE_0001
MARSEILLE
FRANCE
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 220,668 square miles, about
four-fifths the size of Texas.
POPULATION: 56,595,000, about
one-fourth the U.S. population.
LANGUAGE: French is the official
language, although Breton, Alsatian
German, Flemish, Italian, Basque
and Catalan are also spoken.
CAPITAL: Paris
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CURRENCY: Euro, formerly
French Franc
TIME ZONE: GMT + 2
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Marseille, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
Marseille
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
Marseille: A Crossroads of Cultures
and History at the Edge of a Continent
The largest port in the Mediterranean and
the second largest city in France, Marseille
is much more than a powerful commercial
engine along France’s southern coast. It is
a venerable cultural nucleus 2,600 years
old, and the key to understanding Roman
influence in the entire region.
The entire region is luxuriant and fertile
beyond belief. The nearby Rhone River
flows from the interior of one of Europe’s
most prosperous sectors, and extended
commercial mastery to anyone bold
enough to take advantage.
Massalia—as the region was originally
known—established by the mouth
of a small creek, where the Old Port lies
today. There was plenty of space for ships
to anchor, and a narrow mouth which
would be easy to defend. Low hills on
either side assured a healthy and attractive
town. Most important of all, the people
of the local Ligurian tribe seemed friendly
and open to whatever the newcomers
might offer them.
The Greeks came from Phocaea, on the
coast of Asia Minor, and were looking for
a place to export their growing popula-
tion. Their leader was a handsome fellow
named Protis, who went to visit the local
chief at just the right moment. The chief
had invited his finest warriors to a ban-
quet, at which his daughter would select
a husband. When she picked out Protis,
and offered him the symbolic cup of
wine, the partnership was complete.
The Greek merchants connected
their home territories and products
with southern France, to be sure, but
they did much more. Especially after
their home city was destroyed by the
®
Persians, they made Massalia a
base for new exploration. Their new
trading stations reached as far north
as England and Iceland, and as far
down the African coast as Senegal.
Remnants of Greek houses, temples,
public buildings, and warehouses are
still being discovered. The high quality
of their construction proves that
business was very good indeed.
By the time the Roman Republic
began to flex its muscle, Massalia
became a willing ally against both the
Carthaginians and hostile Frankish
tribes. Roman provinces were estab-
lished further inland, to the north
and west, but the big port retained
its status as in independent republic.
Roman rule was good for stability
and trade, after all. Aix, Arles, and
Narbonne were the most important
Roman towns in the area, and
all benefitted from the thriving
commercial web.
During the first century BC, Marseille
had made the mistake of backing Pompey
during his civil war against Julius Caesar.
Arles, on the other hand, provided a dozen
ships for Caesar, and when he won that
conflict, Arles received preferential treat-
ment. In addition to trading privileges,
Arles got the first-rate planning of all
Roman cities, as well as several thousand
veteran soldiers discharged from the
Sixth Legion.
Even today, the well preserved ruins
at Arles show the characteristic grid of
streets, together with some fine civic
buildings. The Amphitheater may
be one of the best preserved outside
of Italy. At times, it is still used for
 Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Marseille
bullfighting, although the bull is never
killed in France. The semi-circular
Roman Theater has three levels of
arcades, and very fine acoustics.
The 3rd-century church of St. Trophime
honors the first bishop of Arles. It is
a beautifully decorated monument,
with many adornments added over the
centuries. The carving on the facade
and around the doorway is especially
impressive. Trophime’s tomb is not
in the church, but at the necropolis
of Les Alyscamps some distance away.
That became one of the largest and
most popular places to be buried
during the middle ages, due largely
to the presence of several other saints.
The stunning Pont du Gard aqueduct
and bridge adorns more than a few
travel posters. The disciplined regularity
of the round arches, on three tiers,
served as both roadway and waterway.
It proclaims the excellence of the
Roman engineers in the most dramatic
terms. The town of Nimes has another
beautifully preserved amphitheater,
and a superb imperial temple known
as the Maison Caree, or “square house.”
It may be the best preserved Roman
temple anywhere.
Another Roman delight is the city of
Aix-en-Provence. The name is derived
from “Aquae Sextiae” which marks the
memory of the Consul Sextius, who
pushed hostile tribes back from the
natural water source here.
Aix went on to become capital of the
Roman province, and later of the inde-
pendent state of Provence. Although it
retains memories of its many centuries,
Aix is most attractive when guests visit the
®
ancient ramparts, or the lovely mansions
along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau.
There are countless relics here of France’s
steady climb to the cultural leadership
of Europe.
Right alongside Aix is the medieval gem
of Avignon. One finds Roman roots
here too, but Avignon came into its own
shortly after 1300. Because of anarchy and
chaotic fighting in Rome and all of central
Italy, a succession of Seven French Popes
ruled the medieval church from Avignon.
This period, from 1309 to 1377, has been
called the “Babylonian Captivity” of the
Church. Although the Avignon Popes
were not particularly immoral, they were
highly political, and at least some of them
lived in great luxury.
The most striking landmark in Avignon
is the Palace of the Popes. Both fortress
View of Marseille
and mansion, it served as the brain
of Europe’s most powerful institution
for seven decades. Following the return
of Gregory XI to Rome, at the urging
of St. Catherine of Siena, there was
another period of 40 years when a
series of Anti-Popes ruled at Avignon
during the Great Western Schism.
Today the Palace is surrounded by
exquisite churches and monasteries,
built during the years of glory.
From the struggles of the earliest
Greeks and Romans, to damage from
World War II, Provence has endured
the march of civilization. Some of
France’s greatest artists—Cezanne,
Van Gogh, Gauguin—have come
here to do their finest work, and
immortalize the beauty of the place.
Memory helps to pinpoint the chief
highlights of Provence, but eyes,
ears, and noses are important too.
Places of Interest
BASILIQUE NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE
Highest point in the center of the city at 154
metres. Most spectacular views of Marseille.
IF CASTLE
If is an island of white rock with an area of
3 hectares , 15 minutes by boat away from
Marseille. Fortress built in 1924 famous
by Alexandre Dumas' novel The Comte
of Monte Cristo.
PALAIS LONGCHAMP
The city's water tower built in 1839
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Palais Longchamp
Paintings of the French, Italian and Flemish
Schools; Perugino, Rubens, David, Courbet.
Sculptures by Puget, Daumier; the School of
Provence from the 17th to 19th centuries:
Puget, Monticelli, Loubon, Guigou .
FAIENCE MUSEUM
157, av de Montredon
1200 pieces illustrating the development of
ceramic art in Marseilles, Provence, France
and other countries, from the Early Neolithic
period to present days.
CANTINI MUSEUM
19, rue Grignan
One of the finest public collections of modern
art, from the Fauve, Surrealist and Cubist
movements to the 1960’s: Bacon, Dufy, Ernst,
Miro, Picasso, Gonzalez, Giacometti, Gargallo,
Balthus, Dubuffet, Tapiès, Matisse, Léger,
Nicolas de Staël
MUSEUM OF MEDITERRANEAN
ARCHEOLOGY
Centre de la Vieille Charité
The second biggest Egyptian collection in France
after the Louvre. Protohistory collection centred
on the vestiges of Roquepertuse.
Classical Antiquity: Near East, Cyprus, Greece,
Greater Greece, Etruria.
MUSEUM OF OLD MARSEILLES
MAISON DIAMANTÉE
2, rue de la Prison
In a historic building with a rare 16 th century
façade and a listed staircase, the collections
illustrate everyday life in Marseilles since the
18th century.
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Practical Information
DOCKING/ANCHORAGE LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
Your Princess Ship docks in Marseille. The dock is When you see a dish on a menu prepared a la
approximately 4 to 5 miles from the town center. provencale-of Provence-get ready for the marvelous
Please refer to the Princess Patter for more information. aroma and taste of garlic, tomatoes, and plenty
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
of fresh rosemary and other herbs. Recommended
foods include:
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour Bouillabaisse: famous local dish made with
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place high-quality fish and soup
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
Pistou: A thick vegetable soup seasoned with basil
location to assist you.
and garlic Loup de mer Sea bass, usually prepare
TRAIN AND METRO SERVICE with fennel
For more information, inquire at www.urbanrail.net Ratatouille: Side dish of simmered tomatoes,
TAXIS onion, eggplant, zucchini and green peppers
Limited taxis are available at the pier in Marseille. Drink Specialties - The local favorite is Pastis,
Confirm your fare with driver before departing. an aniseflavored liqueur that turns milky when
you add water. The light, fruity Provencal rose
SHOPPING
The south of France is well-known for the array of wine goes with just about everything.
local provencal items. Provencal Fabrics Look for the It is always recommended that you drink bottled
brightly colored patterns in ready-wear clothes, fabrics water while in port.
and other items. Leather Goods Luggage, purses and
luxurious French products. Jewelry Colorful costume TIPPING
jewelry, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The popular Suggested tipping 10 to 15 percent
locations for shopping are along Rue St. Ferreol, for good service.
Rue de Rome and Rue Paradis.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
PUBLIC SERVICES Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . Oui
Post Office: Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday
No . . . . . . . . . . . . Non
through Friday. Saturdays, 8:00am to 12 noon.
Please . . . . . . . . . . S'il vous plait
Banks: Most banks are open Monday through Thank you . . . . . . Merci
Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm
to 4:00pm; Saturdays from 8:30am to 11:30am.
Good morning . . . Bonjour
Museums: Generally open from 10:00am
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
to 5:00pm often closing an hour for lunch.
please contact:
The majority of the museums close on Mondays
and public holidays. ISS MacAndrews Cruises
France
Shops: Most shops are open Monday through
Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and on Saturdays 10 Place de la Joliette
from 8:00am to 12noon. Les Docks - Atruim 10.5
Marseille
PROPER ATTIRE
FRANCE
Please wear proper attire ashore when planning
to visit churches, cathedrals and other sacred 13002
places. Shorts for both men and women are Telephone: 334-91-132929
considered improper. Women should also cover Telefax: 334-91-132992
their bare shoulders.
Longchamp Palace
 Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Marseille
bullfighting, although the bull is never
killed in France. The semi-circular
Roman Theater has three levels of
arcades, and very fine acoustics.
The 3rd-century church of St. Trophime
honors the first bishop of Arles. It is
a beautifully decorated monument,
with many adornments added over the
centuries. The carving on the facade
and around the doorway is especially
impressive. Trophime’s tomb is not
in the church, but at the necropolis
of Les Alyscamps some distance away.
That became one of the largest and
most popular places to be buried
during the middle ages, due largely
to the presence of several other saints.
The stunning Pont du Gard aqueduct
and bridge adorns more than a few
travel posters. The disciplined regularity
of the round arches, on three tiers,
served as both roadway and waterway.
It proclaims the excellence of the
Roman engineers in the most dramatic
terms. The town of Nimes has another
beautifully preserved amphitheater,
and a superb imperial temple known
as the Maison Caree, or “square house.”
It may be the best preserved Roman
temple anywhere.
Another Roman delight is the city of
Aix-en-Provence. The name is derived
from “Aquae Sextiae” which marks the
memory of the Consul Sextius, who
pushed hostile tribes back from the
natural water source here.
Aix went on to become capital of the
Roman province, and later of the inde-
pendent state of Provence. Although it
retains memories of its many centuries,
Aix is most attractive when guests visit the
®
ancient ramparts, or the lovely mansions
along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau.
There are countless relics here of France’s
steady climb to the cultural leadership
of Europe.
Right alongside Aix is the medieval gem
of Avignon. One finds Roman roots
here too, but Avignon came into its own
shortly after 1300. Because of anarchy and
chaotic fighting in Rome and all of central
Italy, a succession of Seven French Popes
ruled the medieval church from Avignon.
This period, from 1309 to 1377, has been
called the “Babylonian Captivity” of the
Church. Although the Avignon Popes
were not particularly immoral, they were
highly political, and at least some of them
lived in great luxury.
The most striking landmark in Avignon
is the Palace of the Popes. Both fortress
View of Marseille
and mansion, it served as the brain
of Europe’s most powerful institution
for seven decades. Following the return
of Gregory XI to Rome, at the urging
of St. Catherine of Siena, there was
another period of 40 years when a
series of Anti-Popes ruled at Avignon
during the Great Western Schism.
Today the Palace is surrounded by
exquisite churches and monasteries,
built during the years of glory.
From the struggles of the earliest
Greeks and Romans, to damage from
World War II, Provence has endured
the march of civilization. Some of
France’s greatest artists—Cezanne,
Van Gogh, Gauguin—have come
here to do their finest work, and
immortalize the beauty of the place.
Memory helps to pinpoint the chief
highlights of Provence, but eyes,
ears, and noses are important too.
Places of Interest
BASILIQUE NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE
Highest point in the center of the city at 154
metres. Most spectacular views of Marseille.
IF CASTLE
If is an island of white rock with an area of
3 hectares , 15 minutes by boat away from
Marseille. Fortress built in 1924 famous
by Alexandre Dumas' novel The Comte
of Monte Cristo.
PALAIS LONGCHAMP
The city's water tower built in 1839
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Palais Longchamp
Paintings of the French, Italian and Flemish
Schools; Perugino, Rubens, David, Courbet.
Sculptures by Puget, Daumier; the School of
Provence from the 17th to 19th centuries:
Puget, Monticelli, Loubon, Guigou .
FAIENCE MUSEUM
157, av de Montredon
1200 pieces illustrating the development of
ceramic art in Marseilles, Provence, France
and other countries, from the Early Neolithic
period to present days.
CANTINI MUSEUM
19, rue Grignan
One of the finest public collections of modern
art, from the Fauve, Surrealist and Cubist
movements to the 1960’s: Bacon, Dufy, Ernst,
Miro, Picasso, Gonzalez, Giacometti, Gargallo,
Balthus, Dubuffet, Tapiès, Matisse, Léger,
Nicolas de Staël
MUSEUM OF MEDITERRANEAN
ARCHEOLOGY
Centre de la Vieille Charité
The second biggest Egyptian collection in France
after the Louvre. Protohistory collection centred
on the vestiges of Roquepertuse.
Classical Antiquity: Near East, Cyprus, Greece,
Greater Greece, Etruria.
MUSEUM OF OLD MARSEILLES
MAISON DIAMANTÉE
2, rue de la Prison
In a historic building with a rare 16 th century
façade and a listed staircase, the collections
illustrate everyday life in Marseilles since the
18th century.
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Practical Information
DOCKING/ANCHORAGE LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
Your Princess Ship docks in Marseille. The dock is When you see a dish on a menu prepared a la
approximately 4 to 5 miles from the town center. provencale-of Provence-get ready for the marvelous
Please refer to the Princess Patter for more information. aroma and taste of garlic, tomatoes, and plenty
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
of fresh rosemary and other herbs. Recommended
foods include:
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour Bouillabaisse: famous local dish made with
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place high-quality fish and soup
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
Pistou: A thick vegetable soup seasoned with basil
location to assist you.
and garlic Loup de mer Sea bass, usually prepare
TRAIN AND METRO SERVICE with fennel
For more information, inquire at www.urbanrail.net Ratatouille: Side dish of simmered tomatoes,
TAXIS onion, eggplant, zucchini and green peppers
Limited taxis are available at the pier in Marseille. Drink Specialties - The local favorite is Pastis,
Confirm your fare with driver before departing. an aniseflavored liqueur that turns milky when
you add water. The light, fruity Provencal rose
SHOPPING
The south of France is well-known for the array of wine goes with just about everything.
local provencal items. Provencal Fabrics Look for the It is always recommended that you drink bottled
brightly colored patterns in ready-wear clothes, fabrics water while in port.
and other items. Leather Goods Luggage, purses and
luxurious French products. Jewelry Colorful costume TIPPING
jewelry, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The popular Suggested tipping 10 to 15 percent
locations for shopping are along Rue St. Ferreol, for good service.
Rue de Rome and Rue Paradis.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
PUBLIC SERVICES Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . Oui
Post Office: Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday
No . . . . . . . . . . . . Non
through Friday. Saturdays, 8:00am to 12 noon.
Please . . . . . . . . . . S'il vous plait
Banks: Most banks are open Monday through Thank you . . . . . . Merci
Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm
to 4:00pm; Saturdays from 8:30am to 11:30am.
Good morning . . . Bonjour
Museums: Generally open from 10:00am
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
to 5:00pm often closing an hour for lunch.
please contact:
The majority of the museums close on Mondays
and public holidays. ISS MacAndrews Cruises
France
Shops: Most shops are open Monday through
Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and on Saturdays 10 Place de la Joliette
from 8:00am to 12noon. Les Docks - Atruim 10.5
Marseille
PROPER ATTIRE
FRANCE
Please wear proper attire ashore when planning
to visit churches, cathedrals and other sacred 13002
places. Shorts for both men and women are Telephone: 334-91-132929
considered improper. Women should also cover Telefax: 334-91-132992
their bare shoulders.
Longchamp Palace
 marseille_SHXPRTGDE_0001
FRANCE
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 220,668 square miles, about
four-fifths the size of Texas.
POPULATION: 56,595,000, about
one-fourth the U.S. population.
LANGUAGE: French is the official
language, although Breton, Alsatian
German, Flemish, Italian, Basque
and Catalan are also spoken.
CAPITAL: Paris
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CURRENCY: Euro, formerly
French Franc
TIME ZONE: GMT + 2
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Marseille, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
Marseille
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
MARSEILLE
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
Marseille: A Crossroads of Cultures
and History at the Edge of a Continent
The largest port in the Mediterranean and
the second largest city in France, Marseille
is much more than a powerful commercial
engine along France’s southern coast. It is
a venerable cultural nucleus 2,600 years
old, and the key to understanding Roman
influence in the entire region.
The entire region is luxuriant and fertile
beyond belief. The nearby Rhone River
flows from the interior of one of Europe’s
most prosperous sectors, and extended
commercial mastery to anyone bold
enough to take advantage.
Massalia—as the region was originally
known—established by the mouth
of a small creek, where the Old Port lies
today. There was plenty of space for ships
to anchor, and a narrow mouth which
would be easy to defend. Low hills on
either side assured a healthy and attractive
town. Most important of all, the people
of the local Ligurian tribe seemed friendly
and open to whatever the newcomers
might offer them.
The Greeks came from Phocaea, on the
coast of Asia Minor, and were looking for
a place to export their growing popula-
tion. Their leader was a handsome fellow
named Protis, who went to visit the local
chief at just the right moment. The chief
had invited his finest warriors to a ban-
quet, at which his daughter would select
a husband. When she picked out Protis,
and offered him the symbolic cup of
wine, the partnership was complete.
The Greek merchants connected
their home territories and products
with southern France, to be sure, but
they did much more. Especially after
their home city was destroyed by the
®
Persians, they made Massalia a
base for new exploration. Their new
trading stations reached as far north
as England and Iceland, and as far
down the African coast as Senegal.
Remnants of Greek houses, temples,
public buildings, and warehouses are
still being discovered. The high quality
of their construction proves that
business was very good indeed.
By the time the Roman Republic
began to flex its muscle, Massalia
became a willing ally against both the
Carthaginians and hostile Frankish
tribes. Roman provinces were estab-
lished further inland, to the north
and west, but the big port retained
its status as in independent republic.
Roman rule was good for stability
and trade, after all. Aix, Arles, and
Narbonne were the most important
Roman towns in the area, and
all benefitted from the thriving
commercial web.
During the first century BC, Marseille
had made the mistake of backing Pompey
during his civil war against Julius Caesar.
Arles, on the other hand, provided a dozen
ships for Caesar, and when he won that
conflict, Arles received preferential treat-
ment. In addition to trading privileges,
Arles got the first-rate planning of all
Roman cities, as well as several thousand
veteran soldiers discharged from the
Sixth Legion.
Even today, the well preserved ruins
at Arles show the characteristic grid of
streets, together with some fine civic
buildings. The Amphitheater may
be one of the best preserved outside
of Italy. At times, it is still used for